A select group of six San Diego State University students honed their leadership skills at a special invitation-only conference for math-based majors in the country’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) innovation hub.

The conference, themed “Celebrating 45 Years of STEM Success,” was held in October at the Santa Clara Marriott in Santa Clara. It offered students extensive professional and leadership development through direct interaction with industry mentors and speakers. The hand-picked MESA students, all science, engineering or math majors, represented 38 universities and community colleges from across the state.

“They were selected to attend the conference because these students have strong leadership skills. This event gives them a chance to interact extensively with STEM professionals currently working in industry,” said MESA Executive Director Oscar F. Porter.

Students participated in mock interviews, connected with industry representatives, heard guest speakers and attended workshops. This focus on so-called “soft skills” is a key to shaping well-rounded STEM professionals. Actor and scientist Christina Ochoa and Pixar also gave presentations.

About MESA

MESA promotes STEM success for more than 28,000 educationally disadvantaged secondary, community college and four-year college students in California through project-based learning, academic counseling and exposure to STEM careers, so they can graduate from college with math-based degrees.

Seventy percent of MESA high school graduates statewide went directly to college after graduation compared to 48 percent of all California graduates. Sixty percent of MESA students go on to math, science or engineering majors. Ninety-seven percent of MESA community college transfer students go to college as STEM majors.

The 12th Annual Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Student Leadership Conference was fully sponsored by industry donations. Edison International is the lead sponsor with additional funding from AT&T, Pacific Gas and Electric, San Diego Gas and Electric and Southern California Gas.

Wiggle Room is the 2017 exhibition of work by the SDSU School of Art + Design graduate students. The annual exhibition showcases the work of first-, second-, and third-year graduate students.

This exhibition includes painting, furniture design, jewelry and metalwork, interior design, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, photography, and graphic design. The exhibition opens to the public on October 2nd, with an opening reception on Thursday, October 5, from 6pm – 9pm (open to the public).

The SDSU University Art Gallery will be open Mondays – Thursdays, 11am to 3pm.

The World Music program in the School of Music and Dance has a long and rich history at SDSU. With the increasing importance of cultural awareness and understanding, the world music ensembles offer students a meaningful musical opportunity to engage in the artistic, social, and historical contexts of contemporary, non-western cultures. Children, 17 and under, are free with ticket distribution at the box office while supply lasts.

This week for the World Music Series: Traditional Music and Dance of Ireland